"“Real Students Helping Others”: Student Reflections on a Research-Based Service-Learning Project in a Gender and Victimization Course" by Breanna Boppre

Article

“Real Students Helping Others”: Student Reflections on a Research-Based Service-Learning Project in a Gender and Victimization Course

Journal of Experiential Education (2023)

Breanna Boppre, Sam Houston State University
Shon M. Reed, Old Dominion University
Linsey A. Belisle, University of Houston, Downtown

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Abstract

Background: Service-learning is a high-impact teaching technique that aligns with feminist pedagogy to engage students in influencing social change. Nonetheless, barriers exist to implementing direct service-learning, particularly from a trauma-informed lens as volunteer work could be triggering for students who experienced victimization first-hand. Purpose: This article examines a research-based service-learning project that utilized feminist and trauma-informed pedagogy. Methodology/Approach: Students participated in a student-led survey of their college campus which assessed student experiences of victimization, perceptions of safety, and university service availability. This study analyzed student reflections’ on the research-based service-learning project. Findings/Conclusions: A thematic analysis of students’ reflection responses to the service-learning project revealed four major themes: Enjoyment and Ease in the Process, Research Skills for Advocacy, Validation of Students’ Concerns, and Need for Social Change. Implications: The findings support research-based service-learning projects as an alternative to direct volunteer work. Research-based service-learning still provides students with high-impact learning that can increase students’ collaboration, skills, empowerment, and engagement.

Keywords

service learning topics,
experiential learning topics,
higher education,
study community,
pedagogy topics

Disciplines

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Publication Date

September, 2023

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259221134873

Citation Information

Breanna Boppre, Shon M. Reed and Linsey A. Belisle. "“Real Students Helping Others”: Student Reflections on a Research-Based Service-Learning Project in a Gender and Victimization Course" Journal of Experiential Education Vol. 46 Iss. 3 (2023) p. 281 - 303
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/linsey-belisle/11/